Tuesday, September 28, 2010

September 28, 2010 (UKRINFORM). In 2011 Ukraine plans to build 12 Antonov aircrafts and further increase their production, Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has said during the conference entitled "Ukraine: Reforms, Competitiveness, Investments". "The aircraft complex in recent years was producing, at best, 5-6 aircrafts per year. In the future, we plan to produce 12 aircrafts," he said. The premier stressed that it is necessary to produce 150-200 planes a year so that Ukrainian aircraft enterprises reach the level of profitability. "Is the Ukrainian aviation complex able to do that? Of course, it is," Azarov assured. He expressed confidence that the Ukrainian-made aircrafts will be in demand in the market. The Kyiv-based state-owned company Antonov was established through the incorporation of Kyiv Aviation Plant Aviant SE to the Antonov Aeronautical Scientific/Technical Complex named after Oleh Antonov in July 2009 and in January 2010 Antonov ASTC was renamed into Antonov SE.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Ukraine began construction of the foundation for a new sarcophagus to cover one of the destroyed reactors at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, local media reported Thursday. The project, called a safe, new confinement, would function for 100 years. The structure was designed as an arch with a height of 108 meters and a length of 150 meters over the existing sarcophagus. The technology building will include units for decontamination, sanitation, workshops and other facilities.The sarcophagus will be equipped with modern systems for radiation safety control, according to the project.Earlier, 2011 was declared in Ukraine as "the year of solving problems of Chernobyl." United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Wednesday he plans to participate in an international conference dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine. The disaster, the worst nuclear power plant accident in history, occurred in April 1986, at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, 130 kilometers from Kiev. Despite the accident, the country continued to operate the remaining reactors at the plant for many years. The last reactor was finally blocked in 2000.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

September 19, 2010 (UKRINFORM). The Russia-based TVEL Fuel Company has been declared a winner on the auction to select a partner and technology on the construction of a nuclear fuel plant in Ukraine, according to Svitlana Merkulova, an adviser to director of the Westinghouse office in Kyiv."We have received a notice with thanks for participation and that an inter-ministerial commission decided in favor of TVEL," she said. As reported, TVEL Fuel Company (Russia) and Westinghouse Electric Compnay, LLC (USA) applied for the competition on the selection of a technology and partner to build a plant for the production of nuclear fuel in Ukraine for VVER-1000 reactors. On May 5, 2010, Prime Minister of Ukraine Mykola Azarov noted that Ukraine agreed with Russia on a joint construction of a plant to produce nuclear fuel. According to the Energy Strategy, Ukraine planned to build by 2014 its own plant for the fabrication of fuel assemblies. Under the state target program "Nuclear Fuel of Ukraine" approved in September 2009 by the Cabinet of Ministers, the construction of the nuclear fuel plant is scheduled to be completed in 2013. The construction cost is estimated at UAH 1.679 billion, of which UAH 1,092 billion will be investments (USD 1 - UAH 7.9).

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

September 21, 2010 (Interfax-Ukraine). Ukraine and the United States have begun to dismantle around 200 9K72 Scud missiles decommissioned in 1997 and stored at the 48th ammunition arsenal of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry in Vinnytsia region, the ministry said in a statement. The project, which is estimated at $2 million, is funded by the United States. The work is being conducted by Ukraine's Commonwealth Corporation under the supervision of Global Offshore Projects.Director General of Commonwealth Corporation Vasyl Mitishov said that around 200 missiles were to be dismantled at the arsenal within over five months. After the dismantling, elements of missile systems will be transferred to Ukrainian steel mills for melting and further sale as scrap metal. The Defense Ministry said that over 2,000 tonnes of scrap metal would be received after the recycling of missiles.Deputy Defense Minister Volodymyr Omelianchuk said that funds received from the sale of scrap metal would be sent to the ministry's special fund and then be used for the disposal of excess ammunition. He said that over 10,000 tonnes of ammunition had already been removed from the 48th military arsenal in 2010, and added that the base was to be liquidated in four years. As reported, the cooperation program was signed in the framework of the November 2009 Memorandum of Understanding between the Ukrainian Defense Ministry and the U.S. State Department.According to the document, the contractor of the project is U.S. Controlled Demolition, Inc. Implementation of the program on the elimination and disposal in Ukraine Scud missiles is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2015. In 1993 Ukraine and the U.S. reached a framework agreement to provide assistance in the elimination of strategic nuclear weapons.In 1998 the United States and Ukraine signed an intergovernmental memorandum of understanding on issues related to the regime of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). As reported, cooperation on the program to scrap and recycle Scud missile systems is carried out under a memorandum of understanding between the Ukrainian Defense Ministry and the U.S. Department of State signed in November 2009.According to the document, Controlled Demolition, Inc. is a contractor in the project. Three state-run companies and one private company are Ukrainian subcontractors, according to results of a tender. The project to eliminate and recycle Scud missile systems is to be completed by the end of 2015.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

September 16, 2010 (UNIAN). The first launch of Ukrainian-made rocket is planed for 2012 on Brazilian launch site near Alcantara. The State Minister of Defense of Brazil Mr. Nelson Azevedo Jobim said this today during meeting with the Prime Minister Mykola Azarov. "The basic project is already prepared and we have every opportunity to implement such a launch in 2012" - the Minister of Defense of Brazil noted. Mykola Azarov appreciated the high level of bilateral cooperation between our countries. "We have very good relations with Brazil, evidenced by an ambitious joint project to build a spaceport in Brazil, although the work could take place much faster pace. We see great prospects for bilateral trade and economic cooperation. We hope that your visit will enhance cooperation between our two defense departments. We have lot of things to propose to Brazil" - Mykola Azarov emphasized. Mr. Nelson Azevedo Jobim informed that the Ministries of Defense of Ukraine and Brazil signed an agreement on cooperation in defense sphere. The agreement provides for establishment of joint working groups in aviation industry, shipbuilding, armored vehicles, air defense and radar systems. According to him, working groups will start operation from November, so that to move to the practical implementation of cooperation projects in these areas from January 2011. "You will soon receive news from us regarding the fact what Brazil chooses" - assured Mr. Jobim.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

September 15, 2010 (UKRINFORM). According to the Elite Brands List ranking compiled by reputable research firm IWSR (International Wine and Spirit Research), headquartered in London (the UK), the Nemiroff international brand is the leader in global sales among the most steadily growing spirit brands. The results of the ranking compiled in 2009 were published in the September issue of the IWSR Drinks Record magazine (London, the United Kingdom), an UKRINFORM correspondent reported, citing an official press release by Nemiroff.In order to become a member of one of the most reputable alcohol producers in international rankings, it is necessary to meet several conditions: a company should sell over 1 million cases of production (1 case = 9 liters) under one brand per year, with 40% of sales outside the main market (for the demonstration of the international presence), and its Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) should be not less than 5% over the past five years (2004-2009).According to the latest ranking by IWSR, the list of the most steadily growing spirit brands is led by the Nemiroff international brand. With average annual growth of 5.05%, its volume of global sales in 2009 totaled 8.85 million cases. Thus, the Nemiroff brand climbed four positions compared to the figures reported in 2008. The brand then occupied fifth place in the Elite Brands List.While commenting on the results of the ranking, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nemiroff Alexander Glus said: "In every country where we begin to supply our products, it is important for us to take into account local customs and traditions, the level of household income and the culture of alcohol consumption. A detailed market analysis, good planning activities on each national market, professional distribution, an approach to work, as well as a consistently excellent quality of products have ensured a stable sales growth and the ongoing development of the Nemiroff brand over the past few years. The company is planning soon to increase sales volumes, primarily on the markets in Western Europe and Asia."

Monday, September 13, 2010

September 13, 2010 (UKRINFORM).Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso have made a joint statement after talks held in Brussels on Monday, an UKRINFORM correspondent reported. The statement says that the two presidents stressed their unequivocal support for the further strengthening of EU-Ukraine relations and reconfirmed their commitment to cooperate closely in facilitating the implementation of the reform agenda in Ukraine with a view to bringing Ukraine closer to the European Union."The leaders exchanged views on the negotiations on the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, notably its deep and comprehensive free trade area aspects. They welcomed the progress made to-date and looked forward to accelerating and completing the negotiations as soon as possible. The leaders reiterated their common commitment to establishing a deep and comprehensive free trade area with a view to providing for the gradual integration of Ukraine into the EU's internal market," reads the statement.The leaders discussed the issue of a future Action Plan setting out conditions to be met by Ukraine in order to establish a visa-free travel with the EU, which will be on the agenda of the forthcoming Ukraine-EU Summit in November this year. Viktor Yanukovych and Jose Manuel Barroso welcomed continuing cooperation between the EU and Ukraine across a comprehensive range of sectors. They underlined the importance of the Stand-By Arrangement agreed with the IMF, which the EU is complementing and supporting through EUR 610 million of macro-financial assistance, and looked forward to its full implementation in the interests of economic stability and a return to growth. They also discussed other reform priorities set out in the EU-Ukraine Association Agenda, including in the areas of the economy, trade and energy. President Barroso warmly welcomed the adoption by Ukraine of a law on the functioning of the gas market, as well as Ukraine's steps to finalize the process of Accession to the Energy Community and to implement the necessary reforms for the modernization of Ukraine's energy sector (including gas transit to the EU), to which the EU stands ready to contribute. The leaders said in particular that the relationship between the EU and Ukraine was based on a common history and common values such as democracy, market economy, respect for human rights, and the rule of law. They noted, in this regard, the vital role of a free media and an independent judiciary for the continuing consolidation of Ukraine's democratic development. They also stressed the importance of the forthcoming local elections in Ukraine being conducted in accordance with international standards.President Barroso and President Yanukovych welcomed the EU's Joint Cooperation Initiative for Crimea, which includes EUR 12 million in 2010 for the development of the region. The leaders also discussed relations with the Russian Federation, the situation in Moldova and the Transdniestria settlement process. They looked forward to reviewing progress on these and other areas at the forthcoming EU-Ukraine Summit, which will take place in Brussels on November 22.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

September 11, 2010 (UKRINFORM). The National Space Agency predicts that in 2011-2015, 30 launches of Ukrainian rocket Zenit-3SL will be held from the starting complex Sea Launch, Adviser to NSA Director Eduard Kuznetsov said. According to Kuznetsov, these days, negotiations will complete on the future project Sea Launch. Carrier rocket Zenit-3SL, developed in the design office Pidvdenny and made by Pivdenny Machine Building Plant named after Makarov (both in Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine's south) is the basis of the Sea Launch project.It is able to orbit from four to 15 tons of payload. On July 27, the U.S. court approved a reorganization plan of the company Sea Launch, according to which the affiliated with RSC Energia (Russia) Energia Overseas company will receive 85 percent stake in Sea Launch, in exchange for USD 140 million investments into the company capital and a commitment to attract investments for another USD 200 million. Sea Launch carried out 30 launches from 1999 and till 2010. The launch program was attended by Pivdenny Machine Building Plant named after Makarov and Pivdenny design bureau, Boeing Commercial Space Company (USA) and Space Corporation Energia (Russia), as well as Akar ASA (Norway).

Friday, September 10, 2010

The Thursday (September 6) bombing at the Vladikavkaz market affected a total of 161 people, Olga Krivonos, the director of the Russian Health and Social Development Ministry's medical aid organization and healthcare development department, said at a news briefing on Friday. "The terrorist attack in Vladikavkaz affected 161 people. Fourteen were killed on the spot, and three more people died at medical institutions," Krivonos said. As many as 109 people are currently receiving treatment at Vladikavkaz hospitals, and seven of them are in serious and critical condition, Krivonos said. "The rest are in stable condition, and 24 are receiving outpatient treatment," she said. As for the 11 casualties who have been delivered to Moscow, Krivonos said five of them are still in serious and critical condition, and the lives of the rest are out of danger. http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=685011134724700118

Saturday, September 4, 2010

This impressive medieval military show have taken place on August 28, 2010 in the village of Kopachiv located 35 km. away from the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. About 500 miliraty reconstructors from Ukraine, Poland, Russia, Belarus, and France arrived to this hospitable village to show what life was like in 9th-11th centuries to the numerous spectators. Many forgotten holds of hand-to-hand combat of that time were shown to the appreciative audience. In the frame at the festival a big medieval culinary contest was organized. A few medieval music group presented their performance to the public. I sincere wish SMB members were here!

Friday, September 3, 2010

President Viktor Yanukovych’s administration says law enforcers are finally cracking down on corruption. But the main targets are people close to former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who claims political persecution. She will lead an opposition rally on Sept. 7 outside of parliament. Several former high-ranking officials under ex-Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, this year’s losing presidential candidate, are either behind bars or on the run.And now many in the embattled opposition are wondering who will be next. The whole article is available at:

Thursday, September 2, 2010

September 2, 2010 (UKRINFORM). Ukrainian weather proved to be favorable for most oilseeds. In this regard, BG Capital experts predict an increase in sunflower yield by 5%.Given the growth in the harvesting areas under the crops by 5%, a record harvest of sunflower is expected at 7 million tons, according to research materials. According to analysts, prerequisites for lifting the export duty on sunflower seeds this year are not forecasted. 95% of the total crop will be processed within the country. Against the background of the expected significant reduction in exports of sunflower oil from Russia, as well as the decline of production in Argentina, the leading positions of domestic producers in the world market are projected to strengthen. As a result of the marketing year, the share of Ukraine in world trade in sunflower oil may rise to 60-65% from 53% in 2009/10.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

September 1, 2010 (UKRINFORM). About 406,000 first-graders and more than half a million first-year students the first time sat down at their desks. In total, 4.222 million schoolchildren and 2.8 million students came to study in Ukraine this year. The reform of education in this country, slowed down somewhat in recent years, will gain momentum. This is both optimization of the network of educational establishments and review of the spectrum of professions given by high school. The road to educational reform opens at the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine with adoption of the laws On Education and On Higher Education. President Viktor Yanukovych, who attended the Day of Knowledge in one of the schools in the capital city, said that his priority and an objective of the national security is "concern over the development of intellectual potential of the nation, and formation of the economy based on knowledge."

September 1, 2010 (Interfax-Ukraine). The Russian Navy's first aircraft carrier could be constructed in cooperation with Ukrainian shipbuilders, a source in the main headquarters of the Russian Navy told Interfax on Tuesday. "The possibility of constructing the aircraft carrier at several sites is being considered, one of which could be Chornomorsky Shipbuilding Yard in Mykolaiv, and the second one - at Russian yard Sevmash in Severodvinsk," the representative of the Russian Navy said. According to him, the Mykolaiv plant could build the hull of the future aircraft carrier, and its final construction would be carried out at Sevmash. "The first yard has a lot of experience in constructing Soviet aircraft carriers, the second one has experience in their repair and advanced modernization," the source said.